Dallas County Deputy Honored For Saving Man’s Life

Dallas County Sheriff's Deputy Richard McCann, who was honored for saving a motorist's life from a burning vehicle.

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – A Dallas County Sheriff’s Deputy is being considered for one of his department’s highest awards after a daring rescue caught on video.

Richard McCann is being recommended for the department’s lifesaving award. McCann had just finished writing a speeding ticket on Highway 80 near the Dallas and Kaufman County border when he noticed a passing vehicle on fire.

“It was a car that appeared to be on fire traveling down the road,” McCann said.

McCann immediately started following the flaming car, which soon came to a stop. But the driver remained inside while flames and fuel started to mix.

“I yelled for him to get out and I tried to open the door and it was locked,” McCann said.

The deputy said he had to fight through tremendous heat just to get near the car. He used a fire extinguisher to try and break the glass, and suddenly the driver got out just before the car exploded.

The veteran deputy came closer to death than at any time during his 20 year career.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t have those thoughts because I have a wife and four children at home,” McCann said.